How to prepare for your headshot session. A step by step guide.
Clothing
Search your closet or shop for an outfit, or a couple outfits that make you feel amazing! These should fit well, no pulling at the buttons, the sleeves should be proper length and you should be able to move freely in it. I recommend a nice shirt or two pulled together with a blazer, jacket or some sort of layer on top (you can do photos with and without a jacket). Keeping in mind that wearing short sleeves or a sleeveless shirt will draw attention to the arms and away from the face, having a layer helps with this.
DO
Pick something that complements your eye and skin color but also something that matches your personality and/or brand. Adding a splash of color can make your photo pop (eg. a bold colored blazer, or shirt under it). Neutrals such as blue, white, green, tan, brown are also good options.
Pick a couple of outfits out in advance.
Iron to remove wrinkles from your clothes and use a lint brush to get rid of any pet hair.
Bring 1 to 3 different shirts/jacket (unless you are certain on one look).
Wear nice shoes and pants to pull your outfit together.
DON’T
Choose bold patterns that will distract from your face - light patterns are ok, such as a subtle plaid or soft floral - avoid bright and vibrant patterns.
Wear clothes that will date the photo.
Wear clothes with logos unless you want to showcase a certain brand.
Only wear black (This shade can be used to complement or as a layer but isn't great for the whole outfit).
Hair/Makeup:
FOR WOMEN
Consider hiring a professional for hair and makeup. Wear hair and makeup that compliment your beauty, is more done up then usual, but not so much that you feel uncomfortable. With makeup - all elements of the face should be considered. Face and Neck : Foundation should have a matt finish so that shine is minimized and powder should be used - blush or bronzer are recommended to "lift" and shape your face. Lips should be highlighted with lipstick or tinted lip gloss - consider lip liner. Eye makeup should complement eye color and make your eyes pop. Don't forget about your brows.
FOR MEN
Get a haircut if need be before your shoot, shave or groom facial hair the day of. Option to wear powder to help with face shine.
Posing
If you are nervous, you can practice some poses or smiles in the mirror, do you prefer a smile with or without teeth, what angles does your body look best, what about you do you want to accentuate or tone down in your photo? Communicate these things with your photographer. During your shoot we will doing a variety of standing and sitting poses.
If your office/brand requires everyone to be posed the same angle for brand cohesiveness please communicate this with your photographer.
Keep in mind that the more you prepare, the more ready you will feel. But also, that as your photographer, I also have a variety of tricks up my sleeve to help you (and your team) relax and get the photos you are hoping for!
I hope this little article helps you own your next headshot session. For any direct questions please reach out to me (Stacey) @ stacey@stompphoto.com